Means for way-billing.



J. A. MURPHEY. MEANS FOR WAY BILLING. APPLIGATIONIILED JULY12,1912.

1,086,203 Patented Feb. 3, 1914.

Fla 1 2 SHEETSSHEETI i RATE PER cwT.-50 I SHIPMENTS OF LESSER PHILA. To figg 'g g fi WEIGHT AMOUNT FIG I.

LABEL THE RATE o- THIS CLASS 9 2 I OF MDSE. PER I LBS.|S 3050 SHIPMENTS OF LESSER' ADAMS WEIGHT AS FOLLOWS 0 .INC. 5

i EXPRESS 5% P 5 COMPANY 26 45 H PH|LAPA 46 50 NO. I DATE I ADVANCE" comm-r; PAID 5-45 726. #4/"12-4 I gsw LABEL 1 N92 I NO. DATE iADVANCE COLLECT! PAID LABEL 1 WlTNESSES" INVENTOR: W 22%, 1/ /21 J. A. MURPHEY.

MEANS FOR WAY BILLING. APPLICATION FILED JULY 12, 1912,

1,086,2Q3; Patented Feb. 3,1914.

1 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2-.

FIGH

TARIFF CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 gggggg CWT49 RATE. PER CWT-50 RATE. PER CWT-60 1T0 '5 LB INC 35 1T0 5 LB [NC (2) lT'O 3 LB INC-25 6 n 20 50 6 20 n u 4 5 n I! 50 21 25 II 55 21 25 6 2O 35 26 H 100 u 40 26 H H 40 21 H 25 40 46 50 n u 45 26 n 35 II I! 45 51 II I: 50 45 u u 46 50 H H 55 I 51 H100 n u TARIFF FROM PHILA. TO

. Rate Class offlce Commochty Pen Cwt. Label N0.

Pennsylvania.

. butter 40 l Centre Bridge Cheese 4O 1 Eggs 4O 1 Dewart Cream 60 5 Florin Gen. Spec. 50 Z Butter 5o 2 Lawn Ch65 50 2 Eggs 5O 2 Powell Pou H P) 5 Tennessee Nashville Poultry 2.25 15 I v WITNESSES.- INVENTOR:

WM w

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES A. MURPHEY, OF GERMANTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA.

MEANS ron WAY-mums.

- determining the proper rates of charges for goods of different descriptions, and the proper amount of charges for individual shipments.

It is the prior practice to have a caller read from each package the name of the shipper and addressee to a writer who makes out the way-bill, and said writer is supposed to refer to a tariff schedule wherein the rates for transportation from the place of shipment to other places are set forth. However, different rates are charged, for transportation to any given place, in ac cordance with the different classes of goods transported. For instance, Adams Express Company charges fifty different rates of exressage, ranging from forty cents to twenty dollars per hundred pounds, in accordance with the classification of the goods transported, and, numerous errors of overcharges or undercharges are made by employees who rely upon recollection and make charges in the way-bills without referring to the tariff schedules aforesaid.

It is an object of my invention to obviate such errors, and, also prevent intentional overcharges by dishonest employees, by providing several devices which are cooperatively employed in accordance with my in vention as follows :First, a printed form constituting a tarifi distinguishing goods for transportation in respective classes, showing the different rates applicable to those classes, with reference to transportation between different places, and, d1s't-inctively indicating different labels to be respectively used on goods in accordance with the rate charged ror transportation of the same. Second, a printed form constituting a way-bill havilig appropriately designated spaces for matter relating to respective shipments, including the weight of each slz' gmient the class of label andthe rate of charge and amount of charge vpplica-ble to. each shipment; and, third,

series of separable adhesive labels-applicable Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed July 12, 1912. Serial No. 708,973.

Patented Feb. 3, 1914.

to the respective shipments distinctively classified and designated in accordance with said tariff, with reference to the rate of charge, and individually distinctively numbered in correspondence with numbers on said way-bill designating the respective shipments; each of said labels having printed thereon the rate for different weights of shipments of the class to which the label relates, and having appropriately designated spacesfor matter indicating the date of shipment, whet-her the charge forshipment has beenadvanced, is to be collected, or has been paid.

My invention includes the various novel features of construction and arrangement hereinafter more definitely specified.

In the drawing, Figure I shows a printedform of way-bill for a plurality of shipments, having thereon a schedule of charges for differentweights of-shipments at one rate corresponding with the tariff aforesaid, and, appropriately designated spaces for entries relating to respective shipments. Fig. II shows a series of labels of the same rate class; each having thereon a schedule of charges for difierent weights of shipments of the class to which the label relates, corresponding with the tariff aforesaid, each of said labels being distinctively numbered in correspondence with the numbers on said way-bill designating the respective shipments, and provided with adhesive A. Fig. III shows a printed form constituting a tarifl distinguishing goods for transportation 'in respective classes, showing different rates applicable to respective classes, with. reference to transportation between different places, and distinctively indicating difi'erentlab lS to be respectively used on goods in accordance with the rate charged for transportation of the same.

I find it convenient to distinguish the different classes of labels by class number, for instance, labels for goods for which the express rate is forty cents would be number 1; labels for goods for which the rate is fifty cents would be number 2; labels for goods I, for which the rate is sixty cents would be number 3, and so on. Accordingly, the classification tariif schedules indicate the rate per hundred pounds opposite the name of the ofiice to which the intended shipment is destined and also indicate the number of the label; 1, 2, 3,4, or 5, as the case may be, and, each label states on its face the rate per hunlll') dred pounds and the charges for shipments of-lesser weight, VVay-billing in accordance with my invention is conveniently effected as follows:- The way-bill writer announces to the caller the class of: label applicable to a given package; the caller takes a label of the classa'equired, for instance a Label N0.- 2 such as shown in Fig. 11, havingprinted thereon a statement to the effect that the rate per hundred pounds for transportation of, the goods to which it is applied is fifty cents, and a schedule of rates for shipments oilesserweight. Thereupomthe caller "announces to the writer the shipment num her which appears on the selected label, for instance, E-15, the name of the shipper and addressee, the destination of the package, the weight of the package and the proper charge for transportation of the same; which matter is entered in the waybill. The date of shipment and the amount of charge for the same is also entered on the label in appropriately designated spaces; such spaces for the charge indicating whether it has been paid in advance, is to be collected, or is paid. It may be observed that the label E-15 shown in Fig. II indicates that thepackage to which it is applicable was shipped February 14, 1912, weighs between forty-six and fifty pounds and that forty-five cents expressage is to be collected, It may be observed that in accordance with the prior practice, upon receipt of a package at the express office to which it is consigned, a clerk must refer to a way-bill including data with reference to forty packages to ascertain what if any charge to make for the given package. Such reference requires the clerk to scan practically all of the forty entries in the way-bill to select the information regarding each package; Such a. system not only necessitates expenditure of much time and labor, but aitords opportunities for numerous errors which may be due to failures of the caller and writer to hear each other, or to the checking clerks failing to hear each other or to mismarking either the package or the way-bill. On the contrary, in accordance with my invention each shipment carries on its label, the information contained in the tarifi classification, essential to not only enable the agent at the place of delivery to make the charges and entries independently of the Way-bill; thus saving he time and labor now required to refer to the way-bill for such information for each shipment, but, also enabling suah agent and the consignee to determine whether the proper charge has been made.

I do not desire to limit myself to the precise details of construction and arrangement l herein described as various modifications may be made therein without departing from i shipment to which it relates.

nosaaoa v the essential features of my invention as defined inthe appended claims.

I claim p 1. Means for way-billing express ship ments, including a printed form constituting a tarifl distinguishing g'oodsfor trans portation in respective classes, showing the diiicrent rates applicable to those classes, with reference to transportation between different places, and, distinctively indicating the different labels to be respectively used on goods in accordance with the rate charged for transportation of the same; a printed form constituting a way-bill havin appropriately designated spaces for matter relating to respective shipments, including the weight of each shipment, the class of label and the rateof charge and amount of charge applicable to each shipment; and, seriesol separable adhesive labels applicable to the respective shipments, distinctively classified and designated in accordance with the rate of charge and individually distinctively numbered in correspond once with numbers on said way-bill designating the respective shipments; each. of aid labels having printed thereon the rate for different weights of shipments of the class to which the label relates, and, having appropriately designated spaces for matter indicating the date of shipment, whether the-charge for shipment has been advanced, is to he collected, or has been paid.

, 2. Means for way-billing express shipments, including a printed form constituting a tariti distinguishing goods for transportation in respective classes, showing the different. rates applicable to those classes, with reference to transportaticm between ditlcrent places, and, distinctively indicat ing the different labels to be respectively used on goods in accordance with the rate charged for transportation ol. the same: a printed form constituting a way-hill l Wing appropriately designated spaces for matter relating to respective shipments. including the weight of each shipment, the class of label and the rate of charge and amountof charge applicable to each shipment; and, series of separable adhesive labels applicable to the respective shipments, distinctively classified and designated in accordance with the rate of charge and individually distinctively nuinbered in correspondence withnumbers on said way-bill designating the respective shipments; each of said labels having printed thereon the rate for different weights of shipments of the class to which the label relates, and, having appropriately designated spaces for matter concerning the 3. Means for way-billing express shipments, including a printed form constituting a taritt distinguishing goods for transwith reference to transportation between different places, and, distinctively indicating different labels tobe respectively used on goods in accordance with the rate charged for transportation of the same; a

printed form constituting a way-bill havmg appropriatelydesignated spaces for matter relating'to respective shipments in cluding the weight of each shipment and the class of label applicable 'to each shipment;

and, series of separable adhesive labels applicable to the respective shipments, di s tinctively classified and designated in accordance with the rate of charge and individually distinctively numbered in correspondence with numbers on said way-bill designating the respective shipments, each of said 1 ls having printed thereon-the rate for different weights of, shipments of the class to which the label relates.

4. Means for way-billing express shipments, including a rinted form constituting a tariif distinguishing goods for transportation in respective classes, showing the different rates applicable to-those classes, with reference to transportation between different places, and, distinctively indicating different labels to be respectively used on goods in accordance with therate charged for transportation of the same; a printed form constituting a Way-bill having appropriately designated spaces for matter relating to respective shipments including the weight of each shipment and the class of label applicable to each shipment; and, series of separable adhesive labels applicable to the respectiqe shipments, distinctively classified and designated in accordance with the rate, of ,charge and individually distinctivelynpmbered in correspondence with numbers on said way-bill designating the respectiveshipments.

Meansfor .way billin'g express shipments, including a printed form constituting a tariff distinguishing goods for transportation in respective class s, shoivag the different rates applicable to those classes,'

with reference to transportation between diii'erent places, and, distinctively indicating diiierent labels to be espectively used on goods in accordance with the rate charged for transportation of the same; and. a printedtorm constituting a way-bill having appropriately designated spaces for matter relat ng to respective shipments including the weight of eachshipment and the class of label applicable'to each shiprnent. 1 v

6. Means for .way-billing express shipments, including a printed form constituting a tariff distinguishing goods for'transpore tation in respective classes, showing the diftmnsportation of the same.

each shipment. a

10. Means for Way-billingjexpress ship-' ferent rates applicable to those classes, With reference to transportation between different places, and, distinctively. indicating different labels to be respectively used on goods in accordance with the rate charged for 7. Means fo1"way-billing express shipments, including a printed form constituting a Way-bill vhaving appropriately designated spaces for/"matter relating to respective shipments, including the weight of each shipment, the class of label and theratc of charge/and amount of charge applicable to eachshipment; and, series of separable adhcsire labels applicable to the respective shipments, distinctively classified and designated in accordance with the rate of charge and individually distinctively numbered in correspondence With numbers 'on said wayvbill designating the respective shipments; each of said labels liav'ingprinted thereon the. rate for 'difl'erent weights of shipments of the class to which/the label relates," and, having appropriately designated spaces for matter indicating the date of .shipment, whether the charge for shipment has been advciinced, is to be collected, on has been pal s.

8. Means for Way-billing express ship-,

ments, including a printed form constituting a way-bill having appropriately designated spaces v for matter relating 'to respective shipments, including the Weight of each-i shipment, the class of label and' the rate of charge and amount of charge applicable to each shipment; and, series of separable adhesive labels applicable to the respective and individually distinctively numbered in correspondence with numbers on said waybill designating the respective shipments; each of said labels having printed thereon the rate for different weights of shipments of the class" to which the label relates,

9. Means for way-billing express ship- I ments,including a printed form constituting a way-bill having appropriately designated spaces for matter relating to respective shipments, including the weight of each shipment, the class of label and the rate of charge'and. amount of charge applicable to ments, including a way-bill having distinctively numbered spaces for entries designating the respective shipments, and series of separable adhesive, labels applicable to respective shipments, distinctively classified and designated in accordance with the rate of 'charge' and individually distinctively numbered in correspondence with numbers on't-he way-bill, designating the'respectivc shipments; each of said labels haying printed thereon the rate for different weights of shipments of the-class to which the label relates, and, having appropriately designated spaces for matter indicating the date of shipment, Whether the charge for ship ment has been advanced, is to be collected, or has been paid.

11. Means for Way-billing express shipments, includin a ay-bill having distinctively numbere spaces for entries designating the respective shipments, and series of separable adhesive labels applicable to respective shipments, distinctively classified and designated in accordance with the rate of charge and individually distinctively numbered in correspondence with numbers on the Way-bill designating the respective shipments; each of said labels having printed thereon the rate for different "'ci htsof shipments of the class to which the abel relates, and, having appropriately In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this tenth day of July, 1912.

J AMES A. MURPHEY.

Witnesses:

WM. J. Lrrrnn, W. C. HILL. 

